Stumped for a gift? Travel gift cards and certificates can solve that problem. They allow recipients to choose when they want to travel and where they want to go. (And they can help to ensure a recalcitrant traveler will get moving!)

Depending on when you buy travel gift cards, you may be able to take advantage of promotional offers that can include free shipping, a free gift, even a small gift certificate for yourself to accompany the purchase.

Gift certificates that get the bearer into some of the world's best hotels, Four Seasons' are available online in any denomination ranging from $100 to $5,000. Certificates are redeemable for direct hotel charges at properties managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

What's more romantic than train travel through Europe's most interesting and exciting cities? With Rail Europe, you can research a trip and buy tickets online without having to worry about currency exchanges or deciphering instructions in a different language. Rail Europe Gift Cards are available in $25, $50, $100, $250 and $500 denominations and do not expire.

A meal out makes a great gift for people who travel (as well as friends and family who never go far from home). Restaurant.com gift cards also help your money go further: You can spend as little as $10 to get a card worth $25. An outlay of $40 yields a card worth $100. Just make sure there is an ample selection of restaurants close enough to your recipient's home so that they can use the gift.

If someone's about to take a trip, send him or her off in style. Zappos, known for shoes, free shipping, and superb customer service, also sells many brands of luggage. Whether your sweetie needs a carry-on piece or a great spinner suitcase, a garment bag or a duffel, the selection and prices at Zappos are excellent.

Cruise Brothers — ranked among the top 15 cruise brokers by MSNBC — offers gift certificates for cruise travel through its customer care office. Before contacting the company, you may want to compare prices for specific cruises on several online travel agents before making a commitment to this particular broker.

A gift certificate to travel to a romantic spa where you indulge in relaxing treatments could do wonders for both of you. Spa Finder gift certificates are available in denominations from $50-$2,000 and redeemable at many resort and day spas. These gift certificates have no expiration date when purchased online.

Serenity now! A stay at a Mandarin Oriental hotel anywhere in the world practically guarantees peace and relaxation along with impeccable service, Asian-accented decor, and inventive cuisine. Cards, which are available in denominations from $50 to $10,000, can be applied to hotel stays, spa services, dining, boutique items, and more at participating properties.

Give the gift of adventure with a Viator gift certificate. It'll allow your recipient to choose from the industry's largest selection of tours and activities. From hop-on, hop-off buses to helicopter tours, Viator excursions help travelers experience of the world. Gift certificates are available in a choice of currency including US and Canadian dollars.

Give the gift of a stay at any Marriott Hotel. In addition to overnights, cards are also good for Marriott beds, bedding, barware and other hotel furnishings the recipient would enjoy at home.

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Nordstrom Gift Cards

Amazon.com

Part of the fun of traveling is anticipating and shopping for a trip. At Nordstrom, find quality swimsuits in a range of sizes for him and her, stylish sunglasses, sandals, shoes, luggage, products to protect skin and help it glow, and much more.

Know someone who likes to make up his or her own mind when it comes to gifts? Bestow an Amazon gift card, sending it through the mail or as a digital present. The recipient can apply it toward luggage, travel gear, sports equipment and other items to inspire and furnish a trip.

This large (520 hotels in more than 70 countries) group of small independent hotels offer both monetary value gift certificates that can be applied toward the cost of a stay and themed experience certificates for gourmet experiences, spa getaways, honeymoon trips, and other vacations.

American Airlines offers travel gift cards online in denominations of $50 - $100 valid for air fare on American Airlines, American Eagle, and American Connection. One person can use up to eight gift cards at a time.

Does your giftee have to have music wherever he or she goes? Send him or her off with new tunes from iTunes. Gift cards are available online in denominations from $15-$100. Also makes a great stocking stuffer.